Sunday, May 06, 2007

There's a small pizzeria here in Syracuse where Daiku and I regularly go on dates. The people behind the counter sometimes recognize us, and if we skip more than a week or two, they ask us where we've been.

What is it that draws us back to the Italian Chef over and over again?

Two words: tomato pie.

I'm not sure words would do this wonder pizza justice: it's just a perfect, fresh, savory, crisp-chewy crust topped with the best chunky tomato sauce you can imagine. Heady with the scent of fruity green olive oil and oregano, this tomato sauce is thick, tangy, bold, and a perfect counterbalance for the thick crust. They usually top this pie with parmigiano reggiano, but I ask them to leave it off. For me, the perfect topping for this pizza is a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

We usually eat one slice each at the restaurant (it is more than filling!), but in case you want to carry out, a large tomato pie only sets you back $9. This is the only vegan pizza in the restaurant, so I can only review it, but Daiku and others assure me that their other pizzas, chock full of toppings, are excellent as well. They don't skimp with veggies such as broccoli, spinach, peppers, or onions. If you ever find yourself in Syracuse, do yourself a favor and stop in at the Italian Chef for a tomato pie. I'll meet you there!

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Continuing the weekend of good food, here are the pancakes we had for breakfast this morning. Fortunately, we remembered that we were out of maple syrup before we started cooking and walked to the co-op to pick up some of it in bulk.

18 comments:

Talking about visiting other countries...If I ever visit the United States, I will definitely come to Syracuse to have some of that pizza. I love tomatoes so much and this pie looks like tomato heaven. Have a nice weekend too!

The pizza looks fantastic and so do the pancakes (thanks for the recipe). That's lucky you can walk to the co-op. I don't have a lot of good stores within walking distance here except Target (it's only a five minute walk).

I never thought of putting bananas on pancakes (only in them) but that's got to be good. I used to put margarine and syrup on mine, but decided to stop that and just use syrup. I bet the bananas add that desired creaminess!

I do like tomatoe pizza--I had it in Italy first actually and it is so good when right out of the oven.

Pancakes have become one of my favorite foods over the past few months. It's kind of weird, but I never liked them that much growing up and only recently started making them regularly. Of course, we all know that pancakes are really just a vehicle for one of my favorite things...maple syrup! I do love all things maple...

That pizza looks fantastic! It looks Chicago-style. I'm impressed that it's vegan - here they tend to put cheese in the crust and sauce. Three cheers for vegan pizza!

I don't know if you'll see this, much less be able to answer in time, but my Persian class decide today of all days to have end of class party which is on Wednesday! I can make chocolate chip cookies but maybe it would make sense if I made some shirini irani to bring. If you have any ideas for veganizable stuff, let me know! :)

Oh wow, that pizza looks amazing. When I try to order pizza with just sauce they first laugh and ask (about three or four times), "did you say, no sauce?!". Then I get some undercooked dough circle with a thin layer of sauce. The pancakes look awesome too.

Oh yum...that pizza looks so delish! And your pancakes are absolutely perfect! What a shame I missed World Laughter Day…. On Sundays we usually watch Just For Laughs taped off BBC America (while eating pancakes!), but the season has ended…boohoo!! Still I am sure I laughed plenty… Wee G is a funny guy and I am easily amused!!

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A Note About My Food:

All the food on this blog, unless explicitly noted, is vegan. That means that no animal products (flesh, milk, eggs, or gelatin) have been used. So go ahead and enjoy the food porn-ice cream! omlettes! baked goods galore!- guilt-free.